What you need to know before traveling to Eskişehir

Eskiseher is a city on the Porsuk River in the Turkish region of Anatolia. The name literally means “The Old City”, which is fitting, because it is one of the oldest communities in Turkey. It dates back to 3500 BC. Over the centuries this location has been fought over by many peoples, including Phrygians, Persians, Greeks, Romans, Turks, and Arabs. The Crusaders won a major victory near here in 1097. Also see the 13th century Alaeddin Camii, the 16th century Kursunla Complex, and the 19th century Yesil Efendi Konagi, which houses the Ethnographic Museum.

Outside the city there are three important tombs you can visit: the Kumbet Baba Tomb, the Sheik Edibaali Tomb, and the Cupola of Alemsah. Other noteworthy historic sites in the vicinity are the Gerdek Rock, the Falcon Fortress, and the Unfinished Monument. Eskiseher is the best place to buy pipes and other items made from meerschaum stone, which is mined here. Be sure to visit the Meerschaum Museum. The Rug and Seyitgazi Museums also have interesting displays. Every year in the last week of June there is a festival dedicated to the humorist and philosopher Nasreddin Hoca.